HOWARD L. CUNNINGHAM

On March 25, 1945, Howard Lee Cunningham of 1904 Sunnyside Avenue was born to Richard (Mr. Kid )deceased and Classie Cunningham (Ms. Classie) deceased of 13 Booker Street, Hopewell. He was the baby of the family and was called "Baby Howard" by family and friends.

He attended Harry E. James Elementary School and then Carter G. Woodson High School. He moved to New York, but decided to enlist in the United States Army.

Upon returning from the Army, he became employed as a Store Room Clerk at Hercules Chemical Plant in 1968, where he worked until retiring in 2008.

In 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Edna Holloway. They have three children, Jeffrey (Vikki); twins, Anthony (fiancee' Carolyn Howard) and Antoinette Fallen (Reginald).

Howard decided to continue his education by enrolling in a home study electronic course. He earned his GED and attended John Tyler Community College, studying Criminal Justice and Photography.

Howard was an avid sports junkie. His favorite college team was the Duke Blue Devils. He also, enjoyed running and bicycling. He liked listening to jazz, practicing his photography skills and traveling with his family. Howard kept up with current events and could speak on an intelligent level about different topics.

His happiness came from being a husband, father, grandfather to, Bianca, Jeffrey Jr., (Ashley), Alisha, and Ashley; great-grandfather, to Zyen, Zaiden and Josiah.

After Jesus entered his heart, he was baptized on March 25, 2007, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church by Pastor, William H. Roberts. Serving the Lord became his joy. November 20, 2011, he was ordained as a Deacon. He served as a Sunday School Superintendent and was a member of the Male Chorus.

Even though he was ill, Howard's sudden departure on April 3, 2016, at John Randolph Medical Center has been a shock to his family and friends.

He leaves behind his beloved wife; his children; his grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; brother, Daniel; nieces; nephews; cousins; in-laws; and a multitude of loving and caring people whose lives he touched.

Celebration of life will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 925 Arlington Road, Hopewell, Va., Rev. William H. Roberts, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Appomattox Cemetery.

Professional services have been entrusted to the Bland & Tucker Funeral Home, 1500 Arlington Road, Hopewell, Va., and (804) 458-5357. Family members and friends may leave an online condolence, blandenterprisesinc.com.